Contract Search Guided Paths & Kindred Tracks [Dual Contract Search]

[Kaiden]

The mountain air clung to Kaiden’s coat, crisp and cool, carrying the distant scent of damp stone and pine. His boots struck the uneven path with practiced surety, his strides long and purposeful, as if distance alone could wash away the irritation coiled tight in his chest. The lantern glow of Raiden’s Eye had long since disappeared behind him, swallowed by the rolling lowlands of Lightning Country, but he hardly noticed. He wasn’t walking toward anything. Just away. Away from the suffocating warmth of a crowded shop. Away from the reminder of a past that refused to stay buried.

Above him, Runa floated lazily through the air, watching his brooding form with an insufferably smug expression. “You really don’t change, do you?” she mused, her voice dripping with amusement as she swayed midair. “One little thing sets you off, and you go stomping into the night like some big, broody bear. Not even a glance back, not even a second thought about who might be following.” She spun once, arms folded behind her back, her glow pulsing faintly with mischief. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you don’t even care if you’re being followed. Honestly, Daddy, it's like you don't care about anything.”

Kaiden exhaled sharply, a slow, measured breath through his nose. It was the only sign he’d even heard her. His shoulders were rigid, tension still lingering from the moment he had recognized Kei for what he was. A shinobi. A future soldier of the Raikage, training to be another cog in the machine Kaiden had come to despise. He knew the kid wasn’t responsible for what had happened. Knew that Kei hadn’t been there the night his family was taken from him. But that didn’t change what he represented. What he would become. Still green. Still full of wide-eyed hope. Still thinking this village might give him something in return for his loyalty. It made Kaiden sick.

Runa, however, didn’t seem to care about any of that. She tilted her head toward the road behind them, her expression unreadable. “You’re always so sure you’re alone,” she continued, her voice softer now, not talking about them in the woods, but rather about Kaiden's innate loner mentality ever since her death. “But you're never really alone, Daddy. Because you've got me, and I always watch over you. Especially when you don't watch over yourself.” Kaiden finally glanced at her, the flicker of annoyance in his expression betraying his patience thinning. "You're talking too much." He muttered, pushing forward without another glance. "If I've gotta have a psychotic break, the least the gods could've done is give me quieter hallucinations."

Runa only smirked. She wasn’t trying to annoy him—well, maybe a little—but she had a goal. A scheme, carefully unfolding. Kaiden had been so busy drowning in his own resentment that he hadn’t even noticed. He thought he was in control. He thought he had left everything behind at that shop, that his irritation had been enough to sever whatever fleeting connection had formed there. But Runa knew better.

She had left just enough of a trail. A shimmer in the air here, a flicker of movement at the edge of sight there. Nothing too obvious, just enough to nudge curiosity in the right direction. And then, at just the right moment, she had whispered. A simple phrase, drifting like wind against an unsuspecting ear. Just loud enough to be heard, just quiet enough to be doubted. "Come find me." Now, she hovered in the night air, eyes bright with the anticipation of a game well played. She didn’t have to turn around to know her plan had worked. The air carried subtle disturbances, the faintest shift in energy, the kind of presence that could be felt but not quite placed. Kaiden remained oblivious, too lost in his own thoughts to notice. Runa grinned. "Oh, Daddy, you’re gonna be real grumpy..."

The shadows stretched long beneath the moon, the lowlands quiet except for the whisper of wind through the mountain pass. And somewhere behind them, just out of sight, an unseen presence, or perhaps even two, moved through the night.

[WC .|. 691 Words]
[MFT]

 

[Hayashi Kei]

The man's curt words were enough to make Kei remain in his seat as the other stood up, not even a name to call him by given in return for Kei's introduction. A small frown turned down the corners of his lips, but he tried to remind himself how pushy he could be. I definitely took it too far. He wanted to apologize for whatever had caused the man to grow upset with the barely started conversation, but it seemed like his elder didn't want to give him the chance. He was out the door within seconds, striding off into the night leaving his uneaten food behind.

Kei sighed, sinking into his seat. I should really listen to you more. I don't think I'll ever be good at this, Komi. Kei pulled the dragonfly hairpin from the tie holding back half of his hair. He ran his thumb over the engraved wings, smiling softly at the memory of his father handing him the pin as a symbol of strength in the beginning of his shinobi journey. Suddenly, Kei felt that strange chill again. It danced around him like the hint of a breeze, despite being against a wall in still air. He slipped the pin back in place on the back of his head, lifting his gaze to see flickers of blue light wisping out the door.

Kei shoved the last of the skewer in his hand into his mouth before picking up his bag, slinging it over his shoulder and slipping off his seat to follow the trail of energy. It felt almost like a tug in his head, like an invisible lead stringing him along. Kei followed along the trail of chakra he could sense. He wasn't sure why he decided to follow the light, truly, but the thrill of adventure kept his feet guiding him down an unknown path. Be it his childlike wonder or a gut feeling, Kei wasn't going to give up the chase easily. He occasionally felt a little lost, but a flicker of energy would present itself again when he felt too far off the trail.

Kei wasn't fully aware he was following the man from the bar at first, until he heard the gruff voice of the man in the distance. Once again, seeming to talk to himself, but Kei had a feeling there was more to that too. He followed along a bit quieter once he realized who he was tailing, trying his best to get a glimpse of the energy that seemed to be...following this man.

Only after nearly tripping over a branch did he realize how dangerous this could actually be. The woods surrounding them were a bit thick and dark, making it slightly difficult for Kei to see properly and navigate over the brush beneath his feet. He hid his form behind a tree, taking a shallow breath to calm himself before peaking around the trunk. He wasn't sure whether or not he wanted to be seen just yet, but he didn't want to lose track of the man either.

Kei tried his best to remain close enough on his tail that he could still see the occasional shimmer of chakra but far enough that he could hide himself in the shadows of the night should he make more noise on his pursuit. An unusual tingle struck his eye, making him blink in confusion. It wasn't uncomfortable, but he wasn't used to the feeling either. Did a bug fly into my eye?

Kei saw the blue light again, distracting him from his thoughts about the bug in order to follow along once more.

Post WC: 605

Kei Speech
Kei Thoughts

 

[Kaiden]

Kaiden hiked onward, each step louder than the last as his temper simmered just beneath the surface. His coat rustled against low branches, moonlight casting long, restless shadows on the trail. Runa drifted near him, her faint glow illuminating patches of the forest floor. She watched him in silence for a while, an unreadable look behind her curious eyes. “You know, you can’t outrun every problem,” she remarked at last, voice edged with mild exasperation. She hovered a bit closer, twisting lazily in the air.

“I’m not outrunning anything,” Kaiden muttered, annoyance clear in every syllable. “I just... needed space. Does it matter?”

Runa turned slowly in midair, her translucent robe-like garment drifting around her ankles. She studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Somewhere behind them, the forest groaned as the wind picked up. The rustling leaves might have been nothing more than night-sounds. Yet Runa seemed to peer more carefully than usual, as though sensing something else out there. “It might matter,” she answered softly, pulling her attention back to Kaiden. “You can’t outrun memories, you know. They stick no matter how far you travel.”

The corners of his mouth tightened, but he didn’t respond. Instead, he pressed forward through the brambles. It was easier to keep moving than to acknowledge the faint but genuine tremor in her voice. She had been trying different angles to get him to see reason all evening, none of which had worked. Her usual banter seemed lost on him tonight.

After a while, Runa spun in a lazy circle, letting out a quiet sigh. Although her manner was playful, she wore a thoughtful expression. She recalled an earlier moment that evening, an unexpected encounter that had left her oddly intrigued. A quick flutter of recollection made her heart skip, but she refused to dwell on it. There were more pressing matters at hand. Kaiden needed a push, something that would force him outside of his stubborn isolation. She glanced over her shoulder again, scanning the shifting darkness behind them. The slight prickling on the back of her neck suggested they weren’t alone. For a second, she almost smiled. “You say you need space, Daddy,” Runa ventured, “but come on. This is the middle of nowhere! How much more space can one man need?”

Kaiden halted abruptly, half-turning to glare at her. “You’re the one who keeps following me,” he shot back, voice taut with frustration. “I don’t need a lecture, especially not from…” His words trailed off, his brow furrowing, as though catching himself. He shook his head. “Never mind.”

She floated a bit higher, a small, wry curve to her lips. He would never admit how much he cared, how powerful that fatherly protectiveness in him still remained. She wanted to spark it fully, though perhaps for reasons beyond just simple father-daughter bonding. “Fine,” she said, trying to sound casual. “If you think you’re so alone, maybe I'll just leave and prove you right. Is that what you want? Your little girl just wandering off on her own?”

With that, Runa drifted beyond a cluster of gnarled trunks, letting the heavy shadows mask her presence. She paused just out of Kaiden’s view, bracing herself. She had a plan, one that would tap into his protective instincts in a way he couldn’t ignore. Drawing a deep breath, more from habit than necessity, she forced the edges of her voice to tremble. Then she released a bloodcurdling scream that echoed among the trees with genuine horror. Kaiden's eyes flashed in her direction, seeing her ethereal form zip away like it was pulled by the waist by an invisible rope.

“Runa!” Kaiden’s cry rang out immediately, the sound of branches snapping as he whirled toward her. Panic registered in his eyes, and he bolted forward with no regard for his own safety, crashing through bushes and low limbs to reach her. “Where are you?! Runa?!” Another cry emerged from deeper in the woods, this one more of a ragged sob than a scream. Kaiden’s entire posture changed as his protective instincts flared to life. His voice, usually bristling with hostility, turned frantic. “Runa!” he shouted again, forcing his way through a dense thicket. “Hold on!”

Runa slipped further into the trees, stepping through fallen leaves with near soundless grace. She had no intention of letting her father see her right now, not until he’d gone far enough to ensure he couldn’t easily retreat. Her heart pounded with a blend of remorse for tricking him and delight that the plan was working. If all went well, Kaiden would be drawn into a place where he could no longer hold everyone at arm’s length. She only hoped it wouldn’t put him in real danger. But if that happened, she would intervene.

As she crept alongside a withered log, Runa spared a glance at the path they’d come from. The moonlight revealed a motion in the distance that might have been just a stray deer or a trick of the eye. Or perhaps it was something else. A faint thrill curled through her stomach, as though anticipating another presence. The corners of her mouth curved slightly, and she knelt in a patch of soft earth, pressing ghostly fingertips into the ground. A series of footprints began to glow, each shaped as if a small barefoot child walked across the forest floor. They pulsed in time with her own energy, bright enough to catch the eye but never too obvious. If anyone took the time to look, they would see the path clearly.

“That should keep someone interested,” she murmured under her breath.

She straightened, drifting after Kaiden with a quiet, weightless elegance. He had gone deeper into the woods, calling her name, voice echoing in ragged alarm. The hush of the forest around them intensified, almost as though the trees themselves were holding their breath. Now and then, Runa almost felt like she could sense a flicker of awareness, like eyes peering from behind the dark leaves... watching, waiting. A subtle chill accompanied the sensation, setting her nerves alight. It was nothing she could pinpoint, but it remained there at the edge of her consciousness.

Still, she pressed on. She had faith that her father would come through this unscathed. He always did. And if that faint presence following them was who she hoped it might be, then perhaps everything would come together just as she’d planned. A small, unspoken excitement bubbled up, something that made her cheeks burn with a self-conscious warmth she hadn’t felt since she was alive. She pushed it down, reminding herself that tonight’s goal was to help Kaiden, not chase after fleeting curiosities.

Above the treetops, the moon continued its slow arc across the sky. The forest, stirred by the wind and the sound of Kaiden’s anxious calls, seemed alive with possibility, and, if one were sensitive enough, a hint of something else just out of sight. Runa spared one last glance toward the footprints left behind, hoping they would be followed. Then she vanished into the deeper shadows with a quiet sense of satisfaction. Kaiden might not condone her scheme… but for once, perhaps the two of them wouldn’t have to face the night alone.

[WC .|. 1205 Words — Total .|. 1898 Words]
[Taking for Contract Search .|. RP will Continue]

 

[Hayashi Kei]

Kei heard the man talking again, his steps silent as he picked up his pace, making a conscious effort to stay hidden. He wanted to get as close as possible without being detected, hoping that he could finally make out what the man was saying. Every word could hold valuable clues about the strange energy that had been swirling around him ever since Kei's first encounter with this mysterious man. The elder's voice cut through the night, clearer now, and then Kei heard him state, far louder than the low mumblings of moments before, "You're the one who keeps following me."

It was more than Kei had hoped for, but then, almost immediately, the man’s voice began trailing off. He was on the verge of revealing something important, something that might explain who he was speaking to, but it never came. Kei, frustrated by the sudden silence and the lack of answers, let out a soft grunt. He quickly slipped behind a tree once more, attempting to regain some semblance of cover. A single question gnawed at him. How mysterious do you have to be?

Despite the irritation, there was something exciting about the whole situation. Kei couldn’t deny that a part of him was enjoying this adventure, this strange chase through the quiet, dark woods. The thrill of moving stealthily through the night, the sense of energy swirling around him—the same strange energy he’d sensed ever since meeting the unnamed man—it all felt like something straight out of one of Komi’s fantastical stories. Those stories that always seemed to promise adventure, mystery, and, most importantly, fun.

But Kei knew better. Not all stories were carefree and filled with laughter. Some carried danger, and even moments of heroism, where a lone person might have to rise above the odds. Kei felt that truth hit him the moment he heard a sharp, echoing screech pierce the quiet of the forest. For a moment, he thought it was just a trick of his imagination—perhaps the wind or some other animal—but then the man’s voice broke out in a scream of his own, one filled with sadness or fear.

The name “Runa” slipped from the man’s lips, and Kei’s heart skipped a beat. So the energy had a name. Runa. Kei wasn’t sure why that piece of information hit him so hard, but it did. He swallowed thickly, looking around with urgency. He had to find this energy. The tingle in his eye, the same sensation he’d felt before when the energy guided him, was there again. It had been guiding him all this time, leading him deeper into the forest, and now, it was the only thing he could rely on to find the source.

With every fiber of his being focused on the task at hand, Kei scanned his surroundings, searching for the faintest traces of the energy he knew had to still be close by. Another screech broke through the air, louder now, followed by more frantic noises from the man taking off into the darkness surrounding them. Kei’s chest tightened. Great, he thought. How am I supposed to find them now?

Panic threatened to take hold, the uncertainty of the dark forest and the unknown dangers surrounding him weighing heavily on his mind. But then, just as he was about to lose hope, he spotted something. Footprints!

The glow emanating from the tracks was faint but unmistakable. Kei felt a rush of relief, the smallest flicker of hope in the midst of the vast darkness. Without hesitation, he began to follow them, carefully moving forward while keeping his eyes locked on the ground. His focus was absolute, each step bringing him closer to something, to someone. He realized that, somehow, this glow and the strange sensation in his eye were tied together. Every time he shifted his gaze back to the tracks, his eye pulsed with that tingling feeling, and the path would reveal itself again, clearer than before.

But there was no time to dwell on this discovery. Kei couldn’t afford to be distracted. He kept his pace quick, pressing onward, whispering softly to himself, trying to keep his voice low enough not to draw attention. "Runa?" he whispered again, barely loud enough for anyone near to hear him. He was careful not to speak too loudly, though, knowing that the man crashing through the woods in the distance might still be able to catch his sound if he wasn’t careful. Still, a part of Kei didn’t care if he was noticed anymore. The urgency to help, to do something, to not just be an observer in this situation, was too strong.

The words Komi had once told him echoed in his mind, and they served as a constant reminder that no matter how frightening or overwhelming this situation seemed, he wasn’t without strength. "You have the power of dragons." Komi had said it so confidently, so reassuringly. "Lying somewhere, deep inside you, is a strength you could never imagine to hold at your age. You will grow on this journey, and you will learn your strengths. You will aid allies if you wish to aid, and conquer all enemies should you find yourself in the midst of battle. Never fear, for the dragons you came from are with you to this day."

Those words helped to steady Kei’s breath. He continued his chase, moving with purpose, no longer worried about being discovered or following some unseen figure. If Runa was in danger, he had to help—there was no choice in that.

"Runa?" Kei called out more urgently now, his voice still a mere whisper, but louder than before. The footsteps he had been following seemed to stop abruptly, and Kei’s heart raced as his gaze darted around the darkened woods. His eyes scanned the trees, barely illuminated by the moonlight filtering through the gaps in the canopy above. Silence followed, thick and oppressive, and Kei felt his pulse quicken. Every instinct told him he was close. He had to stay focused. The next step, the next choice, might be the one that determined everything.

Kei heard Kaiden once more, somehow having ended up near the man in the midst of his tracking. He didn't hide this time, though, instead calling out once more, "Runa? Are you here?"

Dangerous or not, he couldn't stand the tightness in his chest anymore. If the man heard him, so be it, but at least he might get an answer as to if the energy was okay or not.

Post WC: 1087
Total WC: 1692

Kei Speech
Kei Thoughts

 

[Ninpocho Admin]

You unfortunately didn't find anything.​

 

[Kaiden]

Kaiden whirled around, his brow furrowed at the sound of someone else's voice calling his daughter’s name. Every muscle in his body tensed as he caught sight of the young shinobi standing not far away, his face filled with equal measures of worry and curiosity. Anger sparked in Kaiden’s eyes. He did not like the sound of a stranger, a shinobi trainee no less, speaking Runa's name as if he knew her.

He opened his mouth to vent his frustration, but before the harsh words could leave his lips, a bright peal of laughter drifted through the clearing. Runa floated into view, at least for her ghost-touched father, her luminescent shape forming in the moonlight with a teasing grin on her face. She clutched her sides as she tried to suppress her giggles, clearly reveling in the success of her prank. Kaiden’s jaw tightened at the sight. The concern he had felt only moments ago had not dissipated; if anything, it sharpened into indignation. “Got you!” Runa chirped, adjusting the glow around her form as if it were a playful costume. Her eyes flicked between Kaiden and Kei, showing just how pleased she was with herself. “I knew you would come running, Daddy. You always do.”

Normally, Kaiden might have answered her jab with a sarcastic remark or at least a glare. However, he was looking past her shoulder now, his brow creasing at a low, gravely sound that resonated through the air. Kaiden’s expression remained grim, the flicker of anger in his gaze shifting into a deeper seriousness as he looked past Runa’s shoulder. Something in the shadows behind Kei made his pulse spike. For a moment, he thought it was yet another of Runa’s illusions, but that low, feral growl rumbled through the still air. Whatever lurked there was all too real.

A figure emerged from the darkness, moving with an unnatural, loping gait. It was a boy around Kei’s age, though “boy” was a generous term for this creature. Ragged patches of fur covered his limbs, and his eyes gleamed with a hungry, predatory light. His breathing came in ragged huffs, as if the last thread of humanity had long since been severed. A Lycan, and by the ruined Kumogakure shinobi gear, a former fledgling shinobi. Runa let out a scream far more chilling and real than her staged wail from before. This time, Kaiden heard raw fear tearing through her voice, and it shook him from his momentary stupor. The twisted figure snarled, saliva dripping from bared fangs. In an instant, it lunged forward, and Kaiden’s heart lurched as he saw the creature’s target: Kei.

Despite Kaiden’s anger at the young shinobi, paternal instinct surged to the forefront. He launched himself into motion, throwing an arm in front of Kei and stepping between the boy and the lycan. "Move!" He yelled behind him to the boy. The savage beast snarled and snapped, a wild look in its eyes that made it clear no trace of the youth it had once been remained. Kaiden’s mind raced, searching for any advantage. He sensed Runa’s presence flicker beside him, saw her dash through the air to stand at his side. "Kaiden!" Akari's voice called into his mind, a single word that threated to force tears from the man's eyes, but not tonight. There was no time to think clearly. All he could do was react. A sudden rush of energy cascaded over him, strong and oddly familiar. His body felt lighter, yet more focused, as if something potent had been awakened inside him. He caught sight of a soft glow emanating from his outstretched arm. There was a moment of disorientation as Runa’s form seemed to dissolve, then coalesce into a tangible shape.

An ethereal spear shimmered in Kaiden’s hand, its haft formed by twisting strands of radiant light, the tip glowing with a deadly brilliance. He had never seen Runa manifest in this way before, but he could sense her presence throughout the weapon. A portion of his daughter’s spirit coursed through him, guiding his grip and steadiness.

The lycan snarled and leapt forward, undeterred by the spear’s glow. Kaiden struck out, driving the spear toward the beast’s shoulder. The force of the blow knocked the creature back, but it landed lightly on its feet, unscathed enough to retaliate. Its lips curled in a vicious sneer as it bounded around Kaiden, trying to find an angle to reach Kei. Kaiden moved to intercept, but he knew he would not be able to keep up with the monster’s speed on his own, not enough to avoid being bitten. As much as he hated it, he realized, even through his anger, that he needed Kei’s help. Kaiden spared him a single, sharp glance, the expression that of an unspoken accord. There would be time later to question why Kei was here and to reprimand him for prying. For now, they had to survive.

A blur of movement caught Kaiden’s eye, and he spun to meet the lycan’s next strike. Runa, her body a brilliant and shimmering spear that dripped with ethereal mist, flared with power, humming against his grip. The creature was driven back again, but only momentarily. It raked its elongated claws at the air in frustration, saliva flicking from its maw. Kaiden’s heart pounded as he realized that this was not an ordinary threat, not something that would be dissuaded by an intimidating display of force alone.

The abomination lunged once more, targeting Kei with savage determination. It seemed the former-shinobi's bestial instincts caused it to target the smaller and more vulnerable looking prey. Kaiden tried to move, but the creature was almost too fast, weaving around his spear. Kei dove to the side, displaying reflexes that impressed even Kaiden, though he would never say it out loud. A surge of rage burned in Kaiden’s chest at the idea of a child, any child, falling to this monstrous disease. He clenched his jaw and adjusted his stance, guiding the spear’s point toward the beast again. A flicker of sad recognition crossed his mind as he imagined this lycan as someone else’s child, ravaged by an infection run wild.

No matter what bitterness he felt toward the shinobi world, he could not let this young boy face the same fate as the beast before them. He tightened his grip, the light from the spear intensifying as if responding to his determination. If Kei was willing to stand his ground, Kaiden would fight alongside him, at least for now. He spat a breath of warning through clenched teeth. “Stay sharp. We do this together.”

 

[Hayashi Kei]

Kei froze in his spot the moment he saw the man's form emerge from the thick brush, a sensation creeping through his chest. He was certain he had been seen. Even though the man's eyes flickered with emotions Kei couldn’t fully understand, the man stopped for a moment, tilting his head upward, as if he was seeing something - or someone - else entirely. Kei felt that shiver again, and the flicker of blue light in the air. Maybe it's a faerie. The thought slid into his consciousness, easing the initial wave of dread. It tricked us...but why?

The fear that had taken root in Kei’s stomach began to dissipate, but not without leaving a lingering discomfort. At least he wasn’t still lost in these ominous woods, alone, with only the chilling darkness of night and a mysterious energy for company. He did still feel unwelcome though. The churn of fear returned to him once more, this time through a different kind of chill on the back of his neck. He listened to the silence surrounding them, only faintly disturbed by a light breeze.

A low, guttural growl pierced the stillness, a sound that made Kei’s pulse quicken. His heart hammered in his chest as his body stiffened. The growl wasn’t distant; it was close - too close. His mind raced, his instincts warring with his rational thoughts. The air around him seemed to grow thick and heavy, the silence of the forest now broken only by the wind and that unnerving growl that echoed all around him. Something was breathing heavily behind him. He swallowed, fighting to stay calm. Is it a wild animal? The thought crossed his mind, but running would only provoke it. Stay still. Think.

Before he could settle on any decision, the air snapped with movement. The man lunged toward him with alarming speed, his body a blur as he threw an arm in front of Kei, blocking him from whatever was closing in. Kei instinctively took a step back, retreating behind the shinobi. The brief exchange of glances was all it took for Kei to realize this was no mere beast. It was something far more dangerous.

The shimmer around the man exploded into motion, energy swirling and coalescing into something tangible. A weapon - fluid, shifting, its very form drawn from raw power. Kei watched, breath caught in his throat, as the weapon materialized in the shinobi's hand. It was a sight unlike any he had ever seen, the kind of thing whispered about in ancient stories, where heroes wielded powers that could alter the very fabric of reality. So this is what it feels like to stand next to someone like that? Kei thought, awe mixing with his growing tension. Thankfully, a sense of necessity awoke him from his stupor just in time for him to dodge another attack from the creature.

The creature was no ordinary predator. A lycan, Kei realized with a start, his blood running cold. A werewolf. Never thought I’d see one in person. The stories had always been far removed from reality, but now, here it was - right in front of him, with its glowing eyes and massive, fur-covered frame. A being of myth and terror, and it was hunting him. Kei dodged another savage swipe, his body moving on instinct as the wolf-like creature's growl rumbled through the air. The pounding in his chest wasn’t just from fear anymore. It was survival. Kei thought back on the limited knowledge he held from his short time training. He really only learned the Transformation and Body Switch Jutsus. The thrumming behind his eye grew a bit stronger as he continued to dodge attack after attack.

With not much more to go on, Kei performed a few hand-seals to transform himself into the same shape of the man. He adjusted to the feeling of being taller for a moment, throwing the false spear in his hand at the beast and hoping that the confusion of two people looking the same would distract the wolf. Kei swiftly retreated, disappearing into the trees. The transformation fell away as he hid, the spear vanishing into thin air. It hadn’t caused any real damage, but it had bought him precious moments. Now, Kei needed to think, needed to do something more, something to turn the tide in their favor.

If only I had a weapon. As if the energy of the forest surrounding them could hear his thoughts, the tingle behind his eye grew a bit stronger. Kei had to close his eyes for a moment as he felt the energy surge through his body like the blood in his veins. A sudden warmth spread across his palm, and his breath caught as he felt a pulse of energy there, tingling through his fingers. Slowly, a bow began to form, the light shimmering and solidifying as the shape took form under his grasp. A string seemed to attach itself to each end, and Kei then turned his head; just over his left shoulder, he could feel a quiver of arrows forming. Yes!

Thanks to his years on the farm, he had to occasionally had the chance to hunt and spear small rodents and tiny predators on his farmland. He wasn’t an expert by any means, but the idea of aiming at something moving this fast was nothing new. You can do this. His fingers brushed the fletching of the first arrow, pulling it free from the quiver as he silently moved to a higher branch, taking aim with the precision of someone who had hunted before.

From his elevated position, Kei saw the man with the spear battling the lycan with all his might. He was the only visible target, keeping the beast occupied. Kei narrowed his focus, waiting for the right moment. The creature’s movements were erratic, but he could learn to predict them. He had to be patient, to wait until the moment aligned. He took a breath, watching as the man dodged a savage swipe from the lycan, creating the opening Kei needed.

Kei’s arrow flew, slicing through the air with a sharp whoosh. It struck the lycan in the side of its neck, a powerful hit that sent a surge of triumph through Kei. Not bad. But there was no time to celebrate. He quickly drew another arrow, aimed at the creature’s vulnerable head, and fired.

The second arrow found its mark, embedding deep in the lycan’s eye. The beast howled in pain, disoriented by the sudden barrage of attacks. Kei, still hidden in the trees, held his breath, unsure of the outcome but trusting his somewhat-companion to finish the job now that the creature was injured. He had done his part.

Post WC: 1124

Kei Speech
Kei Thoughts

 

[Kaiden]

Kaiden tightened his grip as the twisted beast snarled only an arm’s length away. There was no time to question how Runa had taken the shape of a brilliant indigo and blue spear. The faint contours of her childlike face had dissolved into strands of light, swirling around him, and within heartbeats she was a gleaming weapon in his hands. Any confusion he felt was buried by the rush of adrenaline, for the savage Lycan boy would not grant him the luxury of understanding.

The monster’s claws raked at the air, hunting for purchase on Kaiden’s flesh. Kaiden ducked to one side, raising Runa’s glowing form to ward off another frenzied blow. He heard the unmistakable twang of a bowstring and saw an arrow streak across his line of sight, burying itself in the Lycan’s neck. The creature reeled back, howling in pain. Kaiden glanced toward the young shinobi who was nocking another arrow, but a sense of dread twisted in his gut at the realization that this boy had summoned a weapon from nothing. Memories of old grudges and half-remembered tragedies flickered through his mind, but he forced them down. Survival demanded unity, at least for the moment.

The Lycan recovered, its single functional eye blazing with pure malice. It lurched toward Kaiden again, ignoring the pain from the arrow and swinging its claw with maddened strength. Runa’s ethereal presence thrummed in Kaiden’s grip. He planted his feet and turned aside the strike with a wide sweep, gritting his teeth when his own arms trembled with the impact. His gaze cut to the wounded creature’s face, and for an instant he imagined the frightened child it had once been, lost to the disease that now ravaged its body and mind. Pain and compassion mixed in his heart, but he knew what had to be done.

A second arrow whistled through the clearing and struck the Lycan’s head, staggering it further. The poor beast shuddered, half-blind and grievously wounded, yet still ready to fight to its last breath. Kaiden fixed it with a sorrowful glare as he took a determined step forward. He sank Runa’s spear into the broken remnants of the young shinobi’s chest, piercing straight through its heart. The Lycan let out a final, wretched groan, then collapsed in a shuddering heap, lifeless and beyond any saving grace. Kaiden yanked the weapon free, gritting his teeth at the terrible pity that churned in the pit of his stomach.

When the creature’s body hit the ground, the forest went eerily quiet. Kaiden stood there, shoulders heaving while Runa flowed back into her ghostly form beside him. Her glow vibrated, flickering in relief and concern, until she realized the immediate danger had passed. She let out a high, delighted squeal, her eyes shining with unabashed joy that both Kaiden and the other boy were safe. Kaiden barely had time to catch his breath before she darted away from him, rushing over to the trainee without a moment’s hesitation.

Kaiden stared in shock as Runa took on the height and appearance of the nine-year-old girl she had once been in life. She folded her arms behind her back, cheeks glowing with bashful glee, and tilted side to side with a playful sway. Suddenly she leaned forward, pressing a light kiss on the boy’s cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered with a sweet, childlike lilt, then dissolved back into wisps of cerulean mist. Kaiden felt his jaw slacken in utter disbelief, and he let out a strangled sputter of rage.

“Hey! What do you think you're doin'?!” Kaiden blurted, his voice spiking in anger as he glared at the flustered shinobi trainee. His fists clenched at his sides, torn between the need to lecture the boy and the urge to yank Runa away. Although there was no threat left in the clearing, Kaiden’s protective instincts burned as hot as ever. He was fuming, though he could not deny a grudging gratitude that the boy had helped save both of their lives. "Hands to yourself." He said with a threatening bark that softened as he added a resigned, "But kid... you did good."

Kaiden inhaled, his chest tight as he regretted the words he was about to say before they even formed in his mouth. He finally exhaled and spoke in a clipped tone. “And if you ever want to see my daughter again, you will not breathe a word of this to anyone, got it?” He shot a dark look at the spot where Runa’s glow had retreated, ready to drag her away if she dared show her face. “And you, Runa. We're gonna talk about this later.” He said with a serious tone only fathers can manage. She began to protest, but Kaiden snarled, “Ah-! Not a word.” He cast a final glance at the stunned trainee, then turned on his heel and stalked into the trees.

As he pressed onward, Kaiden allowed himself one quiet moment to breathe. Far from the boy’s view, a tired but faint smile curled at the edge of his lips, and he shook his head with contentment, thinking about the gift it is for Runa to have one moment of childhood normalcy. Thoughts of the Lycan’s once-innocent eyes and the complicity he shared with a young shinobi churned within him, reminding him of how complicated the world had become. Still, life called him back to Kumogakure, even if it was a life steeped in uneasy memories and tragic realities. In the end, whether Kaiden would admit it or not, tonight the grieving man and his undying daughter found a new friend. As they disappeared into the darkness, if he listened really, really close, Kei might be able to hear Runa's cheerful and singsongy voice echoing amongst the trees, just barely audible. "That was fun, Daddy! Can I play with him again!?"


[WC .|. 975 — Total .|. 2070]
[Contract Search Attempt 3]
[Topic Left Unless Stopped]

 

[Hayashi Kei]

Kei waited with baited breath as he peeked around the bulk of the tree he was positioned in, watching the man finally spear the beast through the chest. It seemed to be the final blow needed to end the creature's life. It let out a horrendous howl of pain, collapsing to the ground. Silence surrounded them, and Kei dropped himself to the ground finally, gripping the bow in his hand tightly. He wasn't sure if he should approach, if the creature would lash out on the brink of death to deal a dangerous blow. Before he had time to register it, a form appeared before him, more visible than any glimmer he had caught before.

It was a young girl, looking to be nearly his age. Her cheeks seemed to glow as she planted a kiss on his cheek, something Kei was definitely not prepared for. His cheeks lit up the moment her kiss registered, and he raised his left hand to his cheek as he stared in awe. Her form dissipated once more.

Kei jumped at the sound of the man's voice, breaking him from the stupor to shift his gaze to the elder. He raised his hands in the air as the man told him to keep his hands to himself. Despite his somewhat clear anger, the older shinobi seemed to drop his guard and offer a compliment. "Thank you," he mumbled, nodding his head in agreement to not to say a word about their journey tonight. Well, except for Komi. There's no way he couldn't tell his story-driven sister about his wildest adventure yet.

The man started off into the woods, and Kei finally took a moment to observe the weapon that seemed to have formed from thin air earlier. It was a beautiful bow, decorated with golden dragons and the slightest imprint of something that resembled scales across the limbs. He didn't have long to observe, however. With the imminent threat gone, the weapon was no longer direly in need. It simply dissipated before his eyes.

Kei huffed in frustration, wanting to figure out how he did it so he could do it again. Only then did he realize how quiet the forest was growing as the man's voice faded, alongside the sound of the young girl's voice that had thanked him moments before. "Wait!" he called out loudly, taking off into the forest after them. "I don't know this place, can you help me get back?!"

Post WC: 411
Total WC: 1535
Topic Left

Kei Speech
Kei Thoughts

 

[Ninpocho Admin]

You've found Cephalopod! Do you accept?​

 

[Kaiden]

I accept.

 

[Hayashi Kei]

I accept!